the prince, the peasant and the twelve grains of corn€¦ · kingdom was governed by king edward...

THE PRINCE, THE

PEASANT AND THE

TWELVE GRAINS OF

CORN

HISTORY HAPPENS IN THE YELLOW KINGDOM

WHERE WEALTH WAS NOT GOLD, SILVER OR

PRECIOUS STONES.

João José da Costa

Translator: Anna Carolina da Costa Oliveira

E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright reserved: FBN (Brazilian National Library

Foundation) - MEC – Register 582.177 – Book 1112 – Page 403

mailto:[email protected]

THE PRINCE, THE PEASANT AND THE TWELVE GRAINS OF CORN, by João José da Costa

[ 2 ]

Children's story that integrates with the natural fantasy and

creativity of children and young people, entertaining,

educating and adding to the development of character,

moral values, citizenship, ecological awareness, family

values, culture, knowledge, spirituality, respect for educators,

encouragement to study, order and discipline. Book for

children and young people who enjoy intelligent, sensitive,

cultural, educational readings and themes of social reality.

Book with largest literary content, a better reading exercise. Synopsis: The book tells the story of the Yellow Kingdom, a kingdom where wealth was not gold, silver and precious stones. The wealth was in the production of corn produced with abundance and quality. The kingdom was governed by King Edward and Queen Silvia. The kingdom was very prosperous, and everyone lived a good welfare. King Edward was very human and fair and had the loyalty and dedication of all his subjects. The royal couple had two children - Princess Lidia,

loved by her subjects for her social work, and Prince Claudius, arrogant, insensitive, and hated by his subjects, who just had fun and had no useful or productive activity. With the death of the royal couple, Prince Claudius becomes the new king. And the Yellow Kingdom underwent terrible transformations under his reign, and the subjects knew what poverty and suffering were. The new king no longer encouraged the production of the kingdom's greatest wealth, maize, and spent the accumulated wealth in the silos. When the stocked corn ran out, he found himself in poverty. Finally, the new king was forced to sell the castle to a hard-working, persevering peasant, who made a fortune by planting the twelve grains of corn received as alms from the

once arrogant prince. This peasant bought the castle, married Princess Lydia, who was proclaimed the new Queen of the Yellow Kingdom. And peace and prosperity returned to the kingdom. As for the now subject Claudius, the story holds a surprise at the end.


[ 3 ]

Dedication

I dedicate this work to all those who reserve part

of their lives to educate children in some way, as

a mission and a belief that in them is the hope of

a better world.

In special to parents, teachers and grandparents,

the basic triangle of early childhood education.

I thank God for the child that He still allows to

exist in me.

João José da Costa


[ 4 ]

Once upon a time there was a kingdom called Yellow

Kingdom.

There was no richness in gold, silver, or precious

stones, as could be found in other neighboring

kingdoms.

The name of Yellow Kingdom came from another

wealth - corn.

In no other kingdom the corn would grow in

abundance, quality and quantity as it was planted in the

Yellow Kingdom.

And because of the yellow color of the corn, the

kingdom received this name.

But there was another great reason for the richness of

the Yellow Kingdom - the dedication to work and the

faithfulness of all the subject peasants of the kingdom.

The peasants tended the vast cornfields with great care

and motivation. They were happy, and so the kingdom

prospered.

And this was due to the great spirit of humanity and

respect for the neighbor that King Edward and Queen

Silvia had for their subjects.


[ 5 ]

They recognized the hard work of the peasants and

sought to repay this dedication by giving them a fair

payment for maize production.

And there was yet another reason for this wealth -

Nature. It was very generous. The lands were fertile.

The sun shone in the Yellow Kingdom every day and

refreshing rains watered the crops in the afternoon.

Thus, planting and harvesting maize could generally be

done twice a year.

The peasants sold all the produce to King Edward. King

Edward, in turn, sold corn to neighboring kingdoms.

With the money from the sale of corn, King Edward

bought everything that the Yellow Kingdom did not

produce in its own kingdom.

So, everyone who lived in the castle and all the subject

peasants could find in the shops and workshops of

artisans in the kingdom everything they needed to live

well.

The production was so great that King Edward kept in

the Castle many silos to store the corn grains, which

were protected from rain, winds and animals.

.


[ 6 ]

At each harvest, King Edward kept in a special shed the

best corn kernels to be used as seeds.

When the time came for planting, corn seeds were

distributed free to all peasants.

Several times a week King Edward liked to climb the

highest part of the silos and admire the richness of the

kingdom:

“Queen Silvia, look at the wealth we have stored here in

the castle!”. King Edward said looking down from a silo

at the great abundance of the stockpiled corn.

“It is true! And they look and are worth like grains of

gold!”. Queen Silvia replied.

And this cycle was repeated every year. And with each

cycle, the Yellow Kingdom celebrated the harvest and a

new planting with a big party.

King Edward and Queen Silvia had two sons - Prince

Claudius and Princess Lydia.

Princess Lydia devoted much of her time to the social

works of the Yellow Kingdom.

.


[ 7 ]

She accompanied the construction of schools and

hospitals, visited the peasants and their families, assisted

the nursing homes and orphanages.

Princess Lydia was much loved by the subject peasants

of the kingdom.

But the same was not true of Prince Claudius.

Contrary to his sister's example, Prince Claudius sought

to devote his time only to fun, horseback riding, and

hunting down the poor wild animals of the kingdom.

And Prince Claudius liked to throw many parties at the

castle. And he invited only the nobles of the kingdom to

his feasts.

When he rode his horse through the cornfields, he

ordered his soldiers not to allow the peasants to

approach. He gave them no greeting and did not speak

a single word to them.

Thus, Prince Claudius lived only the pleasures of life,

exercising no productive or useful activity for the

kingdom.

No wonder the subject peasants disliked Prince

Claudius!


[ 8 ]

And in the Yellow Kingdom there was a young,

handsome, strong and intelligent peasant. His name was

Ademir and he was a very simple and humble person.

Ademir had a small area of land and lived in a simple

log house. Ademir took care of planting a garden for his

survival and raised some chickens and goats. So, he had

several vegetables, eggs and milk for his food.

When he wasn't taking care of the garden and its

creation, Ademir was dedicated to making saddles,

harness, whips, spurs and horseshoes. He became an

expert in this work.

From time to time Prince Claudius would bring his best

horses to Ademir to change the horseshoes, put a new

saddle, or repair the harness.

And on one of these occasions:

“How much do I owe you?”. Prince Claudius asked

after the work was done.

“Sir, for all the work done I will only charge three

bronze coins”. Ademir answered humbly.

.


[ 9 ]

“Well, I owe you three bronze coins and you owe me

three bronze coins in taxes. So, I owe you nothing!”.

The arrogant Prince Claudius replied.

Every time Prince Claudius took his horses for Ademir

to do some work, the same scene was repeated. He

never paid Ademir anything for his services, regardless

of his state of poverty.

One day, Princess Lydia had to bring her favorite white

horse for Ademir to change the worn brown saddle.

And she wanted another red color one.

She heard that Ademir worked very well with leather

and knew how to color saddles to the colors desired by

the owners.

And on this day, Ademir met Princess Lydia for the first

time and she saw Ademir for the first time, too.

They both stood staring at each other for a long time

without saying anything. They looked at each other

affectionately and deeply as their hearts leapt in their

chest of emotion.

They both felt what true love was at first sight.

A little embarrassed, Princess Lydia said:


[ 10 ]

“Mister Ademir! Good Morning! I have heard a lot

about you and the quality of your services! I need you to

make me a new saddle for my horse, but I want it red.

He's all white and the red saddle will make him even

more beautiful!”.

“Good morning, Your Highness! I'm your subject and

I'll make the best red saddle I can do!”. Ademir

answered, also feeling very shy and embarrassed by the

important presence of a beautiful princess in his

workshop.

Princess Lydia thanked him and left the place

accompanied by her soldiers. But on the way back to

the castle, her thoughts were all on Ademir:

“What a strong and handsome man! Besides, he's a true

gentleman. Looks like a nobleman!”.

His long sighs betrayed her. She had fallen in love with

the young craftsman Ademir!

In the workshop Ademir stood still as he watched

Princess Lydia and her soldiers disappear on the dirt

road to the castle:

“What a kind woman! Besides being beautiful, she

treated me like a person! She has a big heart!”.


[ 11 ]

His long sighs also betrayed him. He had fallen in love

with Princess Lydia!

But Ademir knew that he could hold no hope in this

sudden love. On the contrary, it could cost him his life

if Prince Claudius knew of his boldness to fall in love by

the princess.

“How can a poor subject craftsman fall in love with a

princess!”. Ademir thought, feeling his heart tighten.

This is an impossible love that will never come true!

After a few weeks, Princess Lydia returned to Ademir's

workshop to pick up her order, thinking:

“Ah! I'm curious to see what the new red saddle for

Thunder looked like!”.

But her heart wouldn't let her forget that she was happy

and thrilled to see Ademir again!

Finally, she arrived at the workshop. From a distance

she could see Ademir working hard, with his sweaty

face, his long black hair falling over his face. He forged

a new pair of horseshoes and felt the heat of the

furnace.

“Good morning Mister Ademir!”. The princess said.


[ 12 ]

Ademir had not noticed the approach of Princess Lydia,

and soon sought to wipe his sweat-soaked face and

smooth his hair with his hands.

“Good morning, princess!”.

“Did you make my horse's red saddle?”. The princess

asked.

“Of course, your highness!”. It was the best saddle I

could make to this day! Hope you enjoy it!”.

“Please don't call me princess, just Lydia!”. The princess

asked.

“Ok, princess... Sorry, Lydia. But I ask you another

favor - don't call me mister, just Ademir!”. Ademir

answered.

They both laughed quietly under the watchful eyes of

the soldiers escorting King Edward's daughter.

And the saddle was just wonderful. It fit Thunder's back

nicely and had a bright red that contrasted with the total

white of the magnificent horse.

.


[ 13 ]

“The saddle is very beautiful, sir ... I mean, Ademir!

Thank you! And what is the price for this excellent

work?”.

Ademir at first thought of charging nothing. But he felt

that this would not be appropriate for the moment. And

said:

“It's 10 bronze coins and two silver coins, princess”.

Princess Lydia immediately ordered one of her soldiers

to make the due payment. And she said goodbye to

Ademir:

“’Ademir, just Lydia! And once again, thank you for

your beautiful work. Surely my pleasure will be greater

in walking with Thunder on the roads of the kingdom.

And maybe one day we cross these same roads...”.

“It will take a while for me to get used to calling the

princess just by the name Lydia! I thank you princess

for the honor of welcoming you to my humble

workshop. Go with God's protection and may He make

me cross your ways one day, too!”. Ademir answered in

a voice choked with emotion.

The soldiers escorting the princess took a return

position while she stood watching the Thunder for a few


[ 14 ]

minutes. She admired the beauty of her horse with the

new red saddle.

As she climbed, Princess Lydia dropped her fragrant

lace scarf to the door of Ademir's workshop. On the

handkerchief were engraved his initials – Y.H.P.L.R.A.

(Your Highness Princess Lidia Rodrigues de Alcântara).

Ademir was slowly following the princess's departure

from his workshop, then heading for the door to better

see her galloping with Thunder on the dirt road toward

the castle.

And when she disappeared around the bend in the

road, he realized the lace handkerchief Princess Lydia

had dropped at his door.

“Did she drop her handkerchief on purpose or was it by

chance?”. Ademir wondered.

It was customary at the time for girls to show sympathy

to boys by throwing their handkerchiefs on the floor so

they could catch them.

So Ademir wanted to know if the princess dropped her

handkerchief on purpose or if it happened by chance.

.


[ 15 ]

But his heart led him to believe that the fragrant lace

scarf containing Princess Lydia's initials had been

thrown on purpose!

Ademir took the handkerchief carefully, sniffed it

several times, and took it to a drawer.

He would have to return this handkerchief to the

princess someday to make sure her heart had given him

the handkerchief...

The following days were of great joy and happiness for

Ademir. From afar his neighbors could hear him singing

loudly as he worked vigorously, expressing his joy.

The months passed and Ademir no longer saw Princess

Lydia.

As a reminder, every day he would take from the

drawer the fragrant handkerchief thrown by the

princess, contenting himself with the memory the

perfume brought.

The great spring feast of Yellow Kingdom was

approaching. A large harvest was being celebrated and a

new planting of corn would begin.

.


[ 16 ]

All the inhabitants of the kingdom mobilized for the

long-awaited party. The streets were adorned with many

flowers. Many of them, made with yellow harvested

corncobs.

There were many stalls made of corn products such as

mush, cured cornmeal cake, boiled corn, corn juice,

corn glucose, among many others.

At this party, the Yellow Kingdom welcomed thousands

of visitors from other kingdoms.

And Ademir knew he would have an opportunity to see

Princess Lydia and perhaps return the handkerchief.

As a tradition of the party, the Royal Family would

parade in a carriage by the kingdom's main road.

Ademir sought to stay well ahead where the royal

procession would pass, hoping to see and be seen by

Princess Lydia.

The sumptuous parade began. At the head of the

carriages were dozens of soldiers with spears and

kingdom-colored flags. They were yellow and green

flags with the Royal Family Crest. In the center of the

Royal Family Crest a golden corncob symbolized the

true richness of the kingdom.


[ 17 ]

The gold-yellow carriages, with their seats covered in

red velvet, were right behind the soldiers.

In the first carriage came King Edward and Queen

Silvia. In the second carriage came Prince Claudius and

Princess Lydia. And in the other carriages came the

noble visitors from the other kingdoms.

Ademir's heart was pounding like the sound of his

hammer forging the iron. Inside the carriage Princess

Lydia tried to look at all the subjects, waving at them

nonstop.

“Is Ademir around? I can't see him!”. She thought.

And, indeed, neither Ademir saw Princess Lydia nor

did she see him among the thousands of subjects lining

the royal procession.

She was sitting on the right side of the carriage and

Ademir had positioned herself on the left side of the

road. Destiny didn't want them to see each other then.

The subjects applauded and shouted endlessly:

“Long live King Edward! God save the Queen Silvia!

Long live Princess Lydia!”.

.


[ 18 ]

But there was no applause for Prince Claudius, who

sought to console himself with the thought: “This

people is very ignorant and despicable!”.

Once again, the party was a success. The subjects and

the visitors were satisfied with all the products made

with the precious cereal.

Ademir returned very sad to his house, and the next day

began another week of work.

However, his friends and neighbors were surprised that

he no longer sang like he used to...

One day, however, Ademir had a surprise. An emissary

of King Edward sought him out for a job at the castle.

The iron lock on the main gate had broken and needed

urgent repairs.

In the kingdom there was no one who could make this

repair but Ademir. He was the only subject craftsman

who knew how to work iron well and forge new parts.

“This is the opportunity for me to review Princess

Lydia!”. He thought.

.


[ 19 ]

He tried to put on his best clothes and look very clean

and combed. Wrapped carefully in his pocket, he

carried the princess's handkerchief.

On the day Ademir was received by one of the

kingdom's soldiers, who immediately took him to the

place to repair the lock, as the king had commanded.

While fixing the lock, Ademir watched closely every

movement of the people in the castle. Each open

window could bring him the long-awaited image of

Princess Lydia.

And high on one of the towers, he caught sight of

Princess Lydia. She played the piano and her figure was

visible through the window of her room.

But Princess Lydia was unaware of Ademir's presence

and so continued her piano exercises. At one point she

stopped playing and closed the window.

“Will she come down or through the gate? If this

happens, I'll be able to see her!”. Ademir thought with

great enthusiasm.

But to his sadness, Princess Lydia did not appear and

did not leave the castle that morning.

.


[ 20 ]

At the end of the work, the soldier warned Prince

Claudius that the artisan had finished repairing the lock

so that he could check and make the payment.

Prince Claudius took the large key from the main gate

of the castle, opened and closed it, making sure that the

lock was properly fixed.

“How much is your pay?”. He asked Ademir.

“Sir, it's only five bronze coins!”. Ademir answered.

“Very well, young man. You owe me five bronze coins

in tax, and I have to pay you five bronze coins for the

work. So, I owe you nothing!”. Prince Claudius replied,

leaving the room with a sarcastic smile.

Ademir was already waiting for this reaction from Prince

Claudius. But seeing at times the figure of Princess

Lydia in his window was a good pay for him.

The time has passed. And how time goes by fast!

Ademir continued his work in the field and in the

workshop. He no longer saw Princess Lydia.

.


[ 21 ]

However, he never forgot her, and every day he

remembered her image holding the fragrant scarf

thrown by the princess for several minutes.

But the news from the Yellow Kingdom was not good at

all.

The royal herald roamed the streets of the kingdom

announcing that King Edward and Queen Silvia were

not well. Both had contracted a very serious illness.

At that time there was no radio, television or

newspapers. Thus, the news was given by the heralds.

The heralds roamed the streets of the kingdom, on foot

or on horseback, relaying the main events to residents

aloud.

All subjects prayed for the recovery of the king and

queen they loved so much. For two years there was no

traditional spring party - the harvest party and the

planting of a new crop of corn.

The whole kingdom was very sad.

But the peasants tried to do their part by dedicating

themselves to harvesting and planting with the

motivation and dedication they always had to the royal

couple.


[ 22 ]

And unfortunately, on a rainy morning and gray sky, the

herald brought the news that nobody wanted to hear:

“King Edward and Queen Silvia could not resist the

serious illness and died at dawn!”.

All subjects immediately headed for the castle's main

door, eager for more news. And they had confirmation.

The Yellow Kingdom was no longer under King

Edward´s command.

The days that followed were of many tears and sorrow

throughout the kingdom. But, as the saying goes, “King

dead, King set!”. And Prince Claudius was proclaimed

the new king.

The subjects did not receive this news with much

enthusiasm. On the contrary, they feared for the destiny

and the directions that the kingdom would take

thereafter. They did not like and did not trust King

Claudius.

And the feelings of the subjects of the kingdom would

soon be confirmed.

King Claudius took charge of the Yellow Kingdom and,

thinking that the stocks of corn wealth in the castle silos


[ 23 ]

would never be depleted, began spending the money

from selling the corn irresponsibly.

He went on to pompous and costly parties at the castle,

where food and drink were consumed with great waste.

And to keep up with this increase in spending, he sold

more and more corn to neighboring kingdoms.

When the time came for a new planting, King Claudius

had a reaction no one expected. He did not provide the

seeds to the peasants to renew the corn planting.

“I already have a lot of corn stored in the castle. I don't

need corn anymore!”. He said.

Without the precious seeds, the peasants could not do

the planting and were leaving the fields. Many peasants

moved to neighboring kingdoms for lack of work.

The abandoned lands were taken over by the bush and

were beginning to lose their fertility.

Poverty, lack of produce in the market, hunger began to

take over the kingdom.

.


[ 24 ]

The subjects began to experience many needs. The

peasants had nothing to plant and the artisans had no

buyers for their produce.

Thus, many subjects of the Yellow Kingdom began to

abandon their homes, moving to neighboring kingdoms.

But in the Castle, King Claudius continued his opulent

and spent life. Meanwhile, corn stocks in the silos were

dwindling by the day.

Relations between King Claudius and his sister Princess

Lydia deteriorated. Princess Lydia argued with her

brother and disagreed with his manner of ruling and his

decisions.

She warned him about the risks of the Yellow Kingdom

becoming a realm of poverty and loneliness.

But King Claudius despised her, and when relations

reached an extreme point, he ordered the soldiers not

to let his sister leave her room.

In other words, Princess Lydia became a hostage in the

castle and remained trapped in her rooms every day,

with only her piano as a consolation.

.


[ 25 ]

She could no longer see or ride the Thunder, which

roamed the castle fields in search of food.

Ademir, like the other peasants, was in need. He no

longer had work as a craftsman. No one came to him

for saddles, harness, or horseshoes.

He survived on some eggs, vegetables from his garden,

and milk from his goats. This was enough for him.

However, Ademir began to share his small production

with his friends who had nothing to eat.

Over time, too, Ademir no longer had enough for his

survival. But he was unwilling to withdraw from the

Yellow Kingdom.

So, he thought of asking King Claudius for help. He

had done many services for King Claudius and was

never paid for his services.

He imagined that now King Claudius would help him in

this difficult time.

And Ademir decided to look for King Claudius in the

castle and ask for his help.

The soldier took his request to King Claudius who

replied:


[ 26 ]

“Subjects must learn that they must survive now at their

expense. They cannot depend on their King! But

considering all this peasant has done for my horse, give

him twelve grains of corn!”.

“Twelve grains of corn, sir?”. The soldier asked, one of

the few who stayed in the castle.

“Yes! That's what I can offer right now. My corn stocks

are too low!”. King Claudius answered.

The soldier retreated with the twelve grains of corn

while King Claudius rocked in his chair lazily, laughing

in mockery.

“This is the contribution of our king!”. The soldier said

to Ademir, placing in his hands the twelve grains of

corn.

Ademir bowed his head in sadness and disappointment

and withdrew without a word. In his hands he held

firmly the twelve grains of corn given to him.

In the castle, the servants left work for the lack of

payment from King Claudius. He no longer had women

at his disposal to cook his food, wash his clothes, make

his bed, and clean the castle.

.


[ 27 ]

And his poor sister was forced to do all these jobs,

becoming her brother's maid. If she disobeyed, she

could be trapped in her room again.

The years have passed. The bush of the kingdom came

to the castle gates. King Claudius, always trusting in the

richness of corn in the silos, continued his life of

abundance and worthlessness, neglecting his future.

Although King Claudius never imagined, one day all the

silos were empty! There was no other grain of corn that

King Claudius could sell to pay his expenses.

At this moment, King Claudius realized that he was in

misery and had never worked, he was in no mood to

throw himself into some work that might give him an

income.

Nor had he learned to do anything useful and

productive. He had lived exclusively by the wealth that

his father, King Edward, and the peasants of the

kingdom had generated.

But now this wealth no longer existed!

King Claudius' cry echoed throughout the castle. But his

sorrow was heard only by poor Princess Lydia, the only

one who still insisted on remaining by the king's side.


[ 28 ]

The following days were of great deprivation to King

Claudius, now poor and abandoned by all. The food

pantry was practically empty. In the cellar was no longer

the wines that King Claudius liked so much.

King Claudius was experiencing for the first time what it

was to be in need, and hunger prowled the castle.

The days of suffering and anguish lived by King

Claudius extended and he found no way, no solution to

his problem.

One day King Claudius was surprised that someone was

knocking at the castle door. This did not happen long

ago. And hurried to see who it was. When he opened

the door, he came across a finely dressed man riding a

black horse with a white saddle.

“Who are you, stranger? If you are looking for

contributions, I can offer you nothing!”. King Claudius

said, threatening to close the door.

“Hang on!”. The man said.

And continued:

“I came to make you a good offer to buy the castle. I

hear our king is in trouble!”.


[ 29 ]

“You? Buy my castle? He is worth a lot of money and

you will not be able to pay his price!”. The king

answered.

“Make the price!”. The man said confidently.

“The castle could be sold for fifty thousand gold coins!”.

The king answered.

“I agree to pay this amount in cash!”. The man

confirmed.

King Claudius did not believe what he was hearing. But

if the outsider's proposal was true, with this money he

could live the rest of his life, living in a luxurious house

in the kingdom. And of course, without working! After

all, the castle was too big for him.

But King Claudius was intrigued by this man. His face

was no stranger to him. He was sure to have seen him in

the kingdom on several occasions.

Still a little suspicious of the unknown man's proposal,

King Claudius agreed to the sale of the castle:

“Bring the fifty thousand gold coins and I will give you

the castle with everything I have in here”.

.


[ 30 ]

After a few days the man knocked again on the castle

door, mounted on his black horse, accompanied by a

peasant with a wooden chest containing the gold coins.

Beside his black horse, the man also had a white horse

with a red saddle!

King Claudius answered the door and came across the

man who wanted to buy his castle.

“I'm here, sir! I bring the fifty thousand gold coins as I

promised”. The man said.

King Claudius asked him to enter, taking him to the

noble hall of the castle. There King Claudius spread the

gold coins on a large oval table and counted them one

by one.

King Claudius looked like a child who had just opened

his piggy bank. He laughed, counted, mound the coins,

tossed some in the air and picked them up again,

laughing like crazy.

“Well, I agree with the sale of the castle”. It will only

take me five days to make my move and find a new

home in the kingdom!”. King Claudius confirmed.

King Claudius wanted to know more about that man:


[ 31 ]

“But who are you, and how did you manage to

accumulate such wealth in gold coins?”.

And the unknown man finally revealed himself:

“Sir, indeed, who helped me initiate this wealth was

Your Highness!”.

“What? King Claudius asked surprised.

“Do you remember the craftsman who used to do

services to your horse and one day, hungry and needy,

knocked on your door for help?”.

“Yes, now I remember!”. King Claudius answered.

“Your name is Ademir, isn't it? But how does this

explain your fortune?”. The king insisted.

And Ademir took a few minutes to tell his story and

how he came out of poverty and hardship to become a

rich man:

“At that time, you gave me twelve grains of corn. I came

home, desolate and sad. But as I opened my hands, I

saw that the corn grains glowed like gold. It was raining

a lot. I then decided to plant the twelve grains of corn.

After six months, I harvested 24 corncobs. Each


[ 32 ]

corncob had about 360 grains of corn. So, in the first

harvest I got 8,640 corn grains. As the rains continued

to abound, I planted these 8,640 corn grains. After six

months, I had the second crop that yielded 6,220,800

corn grains. In the third harvest, there were

4,478,976,000 corn grains! And every year I planted all

the corn grains I could get from the previous harvest.

So, I was able to hire more peasants and we planted

corn across all the abandoned fields”.

Pausing and looking deep into King Claudius' eyes,

Ademir finished his explanations:

“There was a shortage of corn in the neighboring

kingdoms and everyone wanted to buy my harvests and

paid in gold coins! It was thus, sir, that I amassed my

wealth from the twelve grains of corn I received for your

generosity!”.

King Claudius listened to the story of Ademir with a

mixture of disbelief and surprise.

“Well, in five days you can take over my castle!”. King

Claudius said.

“What about Princess Lydia?”. Ademir asked.

.


[ 33 ]

“What do you know about her and why do you ask?”.

The king wanted to know.

"I made the saddle red for her Thunder horse. I know

she still lives in the castle and would like to see her!”.

Ademir answered.

“Princess Lydia will go with me after the sale of the

castle. After all, she takes care of all my things!”. The

king answered.

“But I insist on seeing her sir. Otherwise, we will cancel

our business!”. Ademir answered firmly.

King Claudius, afraid of losing the sale of the castle,

asked Princess Lydia to come to the noble hall.

And immediately she recognized Ademir. He now

looked indeed a nobleman!

“Mister Ademir! I thought you were no longer in the

kingdom!”. Princess Lydia said excitedly.

“I've always been here, princess! Princess Lydia, I have

a gift to give you! In the courtyard of the castle is

Thunder waiting for you! I bought it back. The poor

fellow was being used by carters for a hard job. But it is

still handsome and with its saddle red!”. Ademir said.


[ 34 ]

Princess Lydia did not wait a second and ran toward the

castle courtyard to review Thunder!

She hugged him crying and it whinnied, demonstrating

that it had recognized her.

“Sir, I have one more request! A very special request for

my life!”. Ademir said.

“One more request? You are already taking the castle

with everything I have inside. What more can I give

you?”. King Claudius answered indignantly.

“I want to ask for your sister Princess Lydia's hand in

marriage!”. Answered Ademir.

“What? Do you want to marry sister, Princess Lydia?”.

King Claudius asked.

“Yes, Your Highness!”. Ademir confirmed.

King Claudius looked at Ademir and somehow admired

him. He saw him as a new court member.

That man, who knew how to fight for life, honest,

hardworking and who managed to accumulate wealth

with his perseverance and work, would be his brother-

in-law!


[ 35 ]

This new fact comforted on his decision to sell the

castle his parents loved so much. If Princess Lydia

agreed to the marriage, the castle would remain in the

hands of the Royal Family.

Although arrogant, insensitive to other people's

problems, selfish and opting for an easy life, King

Claudius had this rare and unique moment of reflection

and maturity.

He showed common sense for the first time and was

carried away by this feeling of emotion...

But then it returned to its normal personality:

“I have nothing to oppose! If my sister agrees to marry a

simple subject craftsman, this is her decision alone!

Despite your money, you lack title of nobility, you will

always be a peasant!”. King Claudius answered.

“Your Highness, anyway I appreciate it. And I am not

ashamed that I have no title of nobility. On the contrary,

I am very proud to be a peasant! And if Princess Lydia

agrees, we'll get married and live in the castle. And Your

Highness can live with us if you want!”. Ademir said,

always with his heart open to forgiveness.

.


[ 36 ]

“Thanks, but I don't accept the invitation. I have always

lived among nobles. I would not feel well sharing the

environment with the craftsman who took care of my

horses! With this money, I will enjoy life even more!”.

King Claudius answered, departing.

“As you wish, Your Highness!”. Ademir replied,

maintaining his control despite the humiliations he

received.

And before King Claudius left, Ademir had a

retribution to make:

“Your Highness get your twelve grains of corn back.

And store them with love. You may need them

someday...”.

King Claudius looked down at the twelve grains of corn

but put them in his pocket, retreating forever.

Princess Lydia returned happy after finding Thunder:

“Mister Ademir, thank you very much for the surprise.

Thunder has suffered some mistreatment but remains

very elegant and handsome. But where is King

Claudius? And what is this card on the table?”.

.


[ 37 ]

King Claudius signed the letter of his abdication to the

throne. As expected, he gave up being the King of the

Yellow Kingdom.

King Claudius had wondered: “What king am I? No

castle, no soldiers, no court, no servants?”.

And Ademir answered the princess's question:

“Princess Lydia, your brother will leave the castle, and I

believe I could be good company to you!”.

“As well?”. The princess replied.

A little unsure and embarrassed, Ademir returned the

scented handkerchief to the princess and dared to make

a question:

“I kept your scented handkerchief years ago. Your scent

still lingers on it, just as you have always remained in my

heart. I didn't know if you dropped your handkerchief

carelessly or...

“Ademir, you don't have to call me princess anymore...

And as for the handkerchief, I dropped it on purpose,

hoping someday to get it back by your hands!”. The

princess replied.


[ 38 ]

“Well... hmm... hmm, sorry! But I have a question for

you Lydia… Would you accept, I mean, would you... I

mean... Would you imagine marrying me? But if you

don't want please be honest... I'll understand... I know

I'm not noble... I may well continue my peasant life... I

always will be your loyal subject... I know I'm being

cheeky... I'll always be by your side for whatever you

need... I can keep taking care of Thunder... Sorry

again...”.

Princess Lydia listened and was amused by Ademir's

embarrassed manner and, interrupting his chattering

and nervous manner of speech, gave him a soft kiss of

love!

It was a way of saying yes to Ademir's marriage

proposal.

The five days passed. Former King Claudius moved to a

location far from the castle, where he bought a beautiful

house, carrying his 50,000 gold coins and the 12 grains

of corn.

Princess Lydia was proclaimed the Queen of the Yellow

Kingdom, and she was to rule over all affairs of the

kingdom.

.


[ 39 ]

Queen Lydia followed all the teachings of her dear and

late father, King Edward. She treated all subjects with

justice and humanity. In addition, she gave full support

to the production of the kingdom's greatest wealth -

maize.

The kingdom gradually returned to its splendor.

Cornfields were spreading across the fields, commerce

was back in business, artisans had a lot of work to do.

The peasants who had moved to other realms returned

to their homes, happy to return to the kingdom they

loved so much.

All subjects were invited to Queen Lydia's grand

coronation party at the castle.

Joy and happiness returned to the homes of the

peasants and subjects of the kingdom.

And it was at the coronation ceremony that Queen

Lydia surprised everyone with the news:

“Dear citizens of Yellow Kingdom! I would like to

announce that I have accepted Ademir's wedding

invitation! He will be the new King Consort!”.

.


[ 40 ]

By the rules of the nobility of the Yellow Kingdom, the

Queen's husband would be called King Consort if this

ever happened.

Everyone applauded and supported the new royal

couple. Queen Lydia's marriage to King Consort

Ademir was held in spring, resuming the traditional

annual celebration of the harvest and planting of a new

corn crop.

And the two were happily ever after, along with two

children born of this marriage - Prince Charles and

Princess Tatiana.

And seven years have passed. Prince Charles and

Princess Tatiana grew healthy and intelligent. And they

were very good children, following the kind and

humane education of their parents. They learned to be

noble, but with humility and true values of life.

One afternoon, Queen Lydia and King Consort Ademir

watched their two sons play on the castle grass:

“You know, Ademir. When I see our two children

playing, growing up healthy, I feel great and fulfilled as a

mother!”. The queen said.

.


[ 41 ]

“It is true. They like each other very much, get along

well. Prince Charles will be a great king in the future!”.

The king consort answered.

“In these moments, I remember my brother Claudius.

My parents Edward and Silvia were very proud of him.

They used to sit right here where we are and have fun

with our games. And he said exactly what you just said -

Prince Claudius will be a great king one day!”. The

Queen continued.

“Lydia, what was your little Claudius brother like?”.

Ademir wanted to know.

“He was always a good boy. He was cheerful, intelligent,

he liked to study, was kind to people, and cared for the

animals in the castle”. The queen replied.

“But how could he have changed so much?”. Ademir

asked, intrigued.

“He began to change in his teens and especially when

he came of age. He met other boys, princes and nobles,

from other kingdoms, good and bad people. But he

developed friendships with the evil princes and nobles.

Over time, he forgot his origins, becoming disinterested

in his studies. He just wanted to know how to have fun.

He turned increasingly to a futile life. He learned to be


[ 42 ]

arrogant, to despise people who were not noble. He just

wanted to know about parties, drinking lots of wine and

getting drunk, horseback riding, gambling money and

even hunting down the kingdom's poor wild animals.

So, he got lost more and more and became the person

you met”. The queen answered, not hiding her sadness.

“Now I understand! He let himself be contaminated by

bad fellows! I can imagine the sadness of your parents!”.

Ademir concluded.

“My father and mother suffered a lot from this. They

did everything to change this behavior of Claudius but

failed. But I miss him a lot anyway. I haven´t heard

from him in recent years, he doesn't know his nephews,

he hasn't come to me anymore!”. The queen said.

And as for the former King Claudius, word began to

spread in the kingdom that he continued to spend his

fortune from selling the castle with parties, luxury,

travel, entertainment, maintaining a useless and

unproductive life, confirming the popular saying - “Stick

growing crooked, dies crooked!”.

He spent inordinately and his 50,000 gold coins were

coming to an end.

This news came to her sister Queen Lydia:


[ 43 ]

“Ademir, we need to find out where my brother

Claudius is and try to help him! Maybe he'll listen and

better follow my advice now!”.

King Consort Ademir asked the soldiers to search the

whole kingdom and find out the whereabouts of former

King Claudius.

As soon as they had news, Ademir and Lydia went

looking for him.

After a few hours of travel in their royal carriage,

followed by several soldiers, the royal couple came close

to a simple log house.

They got out of the carriage in a little way from the log

house, and walked towards it, asking the soldiers to stay

close to the carriage.

They wanted to be alone with former King Claudius.

And Queen Lydia and King Consort Ademir had a

great surprise that left them in shock!

They found former King Claudius dressed in peasant

clothes, living a simple life and in poverty. He had spent

all his gold coins and even sold his new home. Again, he

lost everything he had in life.


[ 44 ]

Ignoring the presence of his sister and brother-in-law,

the now peasant Claudius was tilling the land and

planting the twelve grains of corn he had received from

Ademir. His sister Lydia wanted to shout his name,

warning him of her presence. But, was advised by

Ademir not to call for him and leave him alone:

“Lydia, Claudius, has now taken his first steps to know

the true values of life. Let him get on with his work. I

am sure he will have perseverance and will reap many

grains of corn from his plantation. He is managing to

earn bread with the sweat on his face. He will value the

fruits of his labor and will surely accumulate his gold

coins. One day, he will come back to buy his own

castle…”.

Queen Lydia shed tears of sadness from her blue eyes.

But she agreed with Ademir. Slowly, the two returned to

the carriage and set off towards the castle. From afar

they could hear Claudius tilling the land, planting his

corn seeds, and singing so loudly that even the birds fell

silent”.

“You know, Lydia. Life is like that. It's like another

saying goes – “If you don't learn from love, you learn

from pain”.

The End

the prince, the peasant and the twelve grains of corn€¦ · kingdom was governed by king edward...

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